Insights

Our Latest Insights

Here you can read the latest on news, events, stories, and blog posts.

Consett Heritage Project / July 17th, 2024

Consett Steelworks - Children's Research & Community Project | Building Self-Belief CIO

During the summer term of 2024, the children of Moorside Primary School in Consett, County Durham, participated in a project delivered by Building Self-Belief CIO, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the County Durham Community Foundation. This initiative aimed to bring the Consett community together around their shared industrial heritage. The children developed skills in creative writing, poetry, art, photography, communication, and historical research.

Youth Social Action / July 2nd, 2024

The Importance of Youth Social Action

On Thursday 4th July 2024, a General Election will be held to determine the new or continuing prime minister, and potentially a new government. As young voters, it is important that you vote and take this opportunity to be part of the democratic process.

Aspirations and Future Planning / July 1st, 2024

Consett "Bridging the Gap Youth Employability Programme."

The Consett "Bridging the Gap Youth Employability Programme" was kindly supported by Newcastle Building Society via the Tyne and Wear Community Foundation, and The Albert Hunt Trust. As part of this the students consulted the young people of the Consett Area as part of the preparation of the Consett Area Neighbourhood Plan..

Consett Heritage Project / June 27th, 2024

Stephen Robinson - Consett Heritage Podcast

Stephen Robinson, who works and lives in Consett and is an independent councillor at Durham County Council, sits down to talk about his current links to Consett, the impact the steelworks had on him, and advice he has for young people.

Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / May 27th, 2024

Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Beautiful BUT Stay Safe Online!

The unique selling point of all of our programmes, but in particular our Wellbeing Programme, is that we include a creative element that is directed by the young people in the group that we are working with.

Youth Social Action / May 22nd, 2024

It's Official - Building Self-Belief are Investors in the Environment!

Building Self-Belief is absolutely delighted to have been awarded the Investors in the Environment Bronze Award!!

Youth Social Action / May 21st, 2024

Consett Area Youth Consultation

Tell us how you would like the Consett Area to look by 2036. What can we all do to improve on what we already have? What ideas do you have to ensure the continued and positive growth of the Consett Area?

Aspirations and Future Planning / May 20th, 2024

Katie Baggott - Volunteer Podcast

Durham Community Action and Building Self Belief reflect on the impact Good to Grow Week has made in County Durham and chat about the power of volunteering to increase community gardening in the local area of Benfieldside in Consett.

Consett Heritage Project / May 14th, 2024

Brian Harrison - Consett Heritage Podcast

Brian Harrison is a local historian and many of you may know him as the company director for the Consett Heritage and Arts Centre. We sat down with him and discussed the origins of his love for history, his thoughts on the most significant moments of the steelworks, and more!

Benfieldside Community Garden / May 2nd, 2024

Good to Grow 2024

Good to Grow 2024 came at a perfect time for our projects at Benfieldside Community Garden. We have done a huge amount of work to clear the site, after years of neglect, and in April we found ourselves ready to plant.

Youth Social Action / April 24th, 2024

Iron Men of Consett

Building Self- Belief are currently delivering and Employability Programme at Consett Academy. As part of the sessions, we discuss the importance of volunteering and how impressive this is to employers – especially when young people are channelling their energy into a good cause.

Consett Heritage Project / April 15th, 2024

Brian Stobbs - Consett Heritage Podcast

Brian Stobbs has a wealth of personal knowledge about living in Consett during the era of the steelworks. Having grown up in the heart of Templetown, then primarily an industrial area, his perspective offers a captivating glimpse into Consett's past. Discover what motivated him to stay in Consett and why he chose not to work in the steelworks.

Benfieldside Community Garden / April 15th, 2024

The Restoration of the Giant’s Foot

Easter was the perfect opportunity to encourage volunteers to come and help us at Benfieldside Community Garden. We were absolutely delighted to have over 45 volunteers of all ages, over the two days. Such events are a true testament to what can be achieved when we all work together. We had an egg hunt, used the Storytelling Corner, and most significantly, renovated the Giant’s Foot!

Consett Heritage Project / April 12th, 2024

History of Consett Q and A – Local Mysteries now Solved!

As part of Building Self-Belief’s series of events about Consett’s heritage, local Historian Brian Harrison agreed to be in the spotlight for our Consett’s History Q and A session.

Consett Heritage Project / March 27th, 2024

John Fox - Consett Heritage Podcast

John has lived his whole life in Consett and tells us all about his experiences working at Consett Steelworks and beyond! He also explains what he has planned for Consett for the future, and how he needs your help to make his dream for Consett a reality.

Benfieldside Community Garden / March 22nd, 2024

Benfieldside Community Garden is on the Good to Grow Map!

Benfieldside Community Garden is now on the Good to Grow map - we are delighted to be part of the Good to Grow network, and look forward to being involved in their events!